Arquideas prize

Tourism is the most important industry for Geiranger Fjords. This project considers provisions for other seasons of the year(than just May to September) to enhance the visits during the whole year and make tourism a whole year opportunity for Geiranger. Selected spots for this project provide settlements built from the local rock which frame the fjords through shelters that blend into the natural environment.

Norway is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world thanks to its rugged nature with snaking glaciers, mountain areas in the interior that resemble natural fortresses, rocky islands that emerge from the sea and waterfalls that emanate a sublime and savage energy.

Other natural wonders such as Aurora Borealis, the Midnight sun, the fjords and the tranquillity found in their national parks, showcase Norway’s virtues.

Norway’s main attraction, speaking in terms of natural beauty, resides in fjords. They form islands, islets and huge areas of land surrounded by water.

Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream and air currents caused by the Coriolis force, the Norwegian fjords enjoy a relatively mild climate and remain virtually ice-free. Different activities can be enjoyed such as hiking, climbing, kayaking, and other ways of moving around. The fjords plunge to more than 1,300 metres under the sea, as it is the case of the Sognefjord. This makes navigation of big cruises possible.

UNESCO has included Norway’s fjords, exemplified by the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, in the World Heritage list. Norwegian cities are cosmopolitan and its architecture showcases the famous Scandinavian flair for design.

Object:

The objective of the present competition for students of architecture and young architects, Viewpoint of the Fjords (VOF), consists in proposing a space for contemplation and admiration of the environment that will produce an exchange between landscape and spectator. A space where nature plays a key role.

Landscape observation is the fundamental purpose of this architectural space. It must appreciate the virtues of the location and experiment new ways of contemplation.

Thanks to its privileged location, this new proposed space will become an international reference point for all visitors of this natural attraction.

VOF aspires to become the new meeting point for visitors and nature, a new place of understanding and an information point for hikers. In here, observation will become a unique sensory experience.

In a country so full of world-famous iconic images, this new space for contemplation must become an architectural reference for Norway.

Prize:

The following prizes will be awarded to proposals that best meet the purpose of the competition:

The Arquideas Special Prize will be given, awarded with 500 euros, to the proposal with more votes from Arquideas Community users, among winners, honorable mentions and the finalist projects.

Honorable Mentions

Up to 5 Honorable Mentions will be given to the most interesting proposals in terms of architectural quality, and which have not received any of the first three prizes, and will be awarded with the following prize: